Centretown is full of classics and long standing businesses that the citizens of Ottawa light up to when they hear them being discussed, but our lovely little area in the heart of Ottawa’s core is also home to some lesser known but equally awe-inspiring restaurants that are worth checking out.
From familiar options like pizza and shawarma, to lesser explored cuisines like Hawaiian BBQ – We’re here to show you what Centretown has been hiding in plain sight.
Lyon’s Hawaiian BBQ - 222 Lyon St
Lyon’s Hawaiian BBQ is the home of bold and perhaps unfamiliar flavours. Their representation of the island is something we haven’t seen anywhere else in Ottawa. With an emphasis on grilled meats, steamed rice, and their heavily sought after macaroni salad – This is the kind of hidden gem you don’t want to miss out on.
Lyon’s Hawaiian (which is so fun to say) has a menu that is littered with unique items that will bring you to The Island. Spam Musubi, Hawaiian BBQ chicken, and Kalbi short ribs should all be on your radar when you walk through their doors, but please don’t skip the Mahi Mahi.
The weather in Ottawa is starting to cool off, which feels like the perfect time to transport yourself somewhere warmer. Lyon’s Hawaiian BBQ is the place to start.
Ricardo’s Pizza - 267 Bay St
If you’ve lived in Ottawa for a long time then you know what ‘Ottawa Style Pizza’ or ‘Lebanese Pizza’ is, but for those of you who don’t know, allow me to enlighten you.
Ottawa style pizza can be spotted from a mile away. It’s heavy, loaded with cheese, and the toppings are often underneath that mountain of dairy goodness. Ottawa pizza is not going to win any prettiest picture awards, but when it’s what you’re craving it is the only thing that will do.
Ricardo’s is a hidden gem, Centretown example of this.
Paired with daily deals, reasonable prices, and the most important part – a friendly owner who is often in the shop himself, Ricardo’s has become a local embodiment of what we look for in an Ottawa style pizza joint.
Another tell-tale sign of a good Ottawa style pizza spot is that they often have 1-2 other menu items that stand out, outside of the pizza, and they often have nothing to do with what you’d think of on a pizza menu.
In the case of Ricardo’s, it’s their club sandwich. The club sandwich at its core is derived from beauty in simplicity, and Ricardo’s embodies that while still executing to the fullest extent.
So if you’re in Centretown craving an Ottawa style pizza (or a club sandwich), pop into Ricardo’s.
On Rice - 248 Kent St
Ah, one of our favourite styles of restaurant. A building that looks like a house was turned into a place to dine. An almost “hole in the wall” look on the outside that screams “this food is going to be delicious”.
That’s exactly what On Rice is.
This unassuming little spot is serving up delectable Japanese and Korean dishes to Ottawan’s and is doing a stand up job of it.
From sushi to bulgogi to their very popular spicy pork on rice, On Rice covers all the bases when it comes to Japanese and Korean cuisine.
So, what are we eating when we go to On Rice?
Well, the classics are of course on the menu – I personally am a sucker for a spicy tuna roll and pork tonkotsu – but there is one speciality item that we at Centretown recommend everyone try!
Takoyaki is battered and shallow fried octopus balls, often served with a multitude of sauces and bonito flakes. This might sound scary to the less adventurous eater, but believe us when we say this is a must try. Do not, I repeat DO NOT skip the takoyaki.
Shawarma Andalos - 407 Laurier Ave W
Ottawa has a love letter to its residents, and it comes in the shape of a warm pita, wrapped around juicy meat and veggies, creamy sauces and fresh herbs…and it’s always made with love.
This love letter is, of course, shawarma.
As the Shawarma capital of Canada, we take it pretty dang serious over here. You can find shawarma spots in Ottawa like you can find Tim Hortons in the rest of the country, so it’s no surprise that some solid spots fly a little more under the radar.
Shawarma Andalos is one of those spots in Centretown. One of their three locations (and of course our favourite) is serving up the classics done right.
At Shawarma Andalos, they believe there is a profound connection between good food and a fulfilling life. At Centretown, we tend to agree with this sentiment.
Shawarma Andalos has something for everyone, even your veggie friends! They’ve made it their mission to transport you to the Middle East in every bite- so what are you waiting for? Your journey awaits.
Author: Jordan Pizzuti
October 7, 2025
